Nicole was suspicious of Clayton’s deceitful blather. She was not someone who could be coaxed with mere words.

Clayton met her gaze and said frankly, “Less than a year… But every day since I met you, I’ve been very happy to find out that you’re single. Nicole, let’s start anew. My name is Clayton Sloan. I was widowed three years ago, and I have a son.”

He lowered his eyes and smiled a little self-deprecatingly. “I know that sounds like poor conditions, but I have a lot of money. I’m not quite